Welschriesling Wines (38)

Welschriesling - History and Origin

The origin of this grape variety cannot be precisely determined. It is assumed that it comes from northern Italy, which is also indicated by the name Welschriesling. Other wine researchers suspect its origin in Champagne, where it is no longer cultivated today. Other assumptions refer to an origin from Romania.

Descent and Crossing Partners

The descent of the Welschriesling vine is also still unclear, its closest relative is Elbling. Contrary to what its name might suggest, there are no familial relationships to the actual (White or Rhine) Riesling.

Welschriesling - The Second Most Important Grape Variety in Austria

The Welschriesling is cultivated in all Austrian wine regions. With a cultivation area of 3,597 hectares, it is the second most important Austrian wine after Grüner Veltliner. In the Hungarian wine region of Badacsony, it is the most important grape. Other cultivation areas are located in Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, as well as in the Italian wine regions of Trentino and Friuli.

Ampelography

The leaf of the Welschriesling is three to five-lobed and smooth with a strongly serrated leaf edge. The grapes are medium-sized, cylindrical, very densely packed, shoulder-shaped, and have a medium-sized auxiliary bunch. The berries are yellow-green, thin-skinned, speckled, and very juicy.

Yields

In good locations, the Welschriesling vine yields high harvests. Therefore, yield reductions are advisable for the production of quality wines.

Requirements for Location and Soil, Terroir

Ideal for the Welschriesling vine are sandy soils with good water and magnesium supply, but with low precipitation. It is frost-resistant, but requires sunny and warm locations for optimal growth. The wine reacts sensitively to dryness and then loses sufficient shoot growth. The Welschriesling is susceptible to stem necrosis - a disturbance of the cell structure of the grape stems, which can be countered with appropriate cultural measures.

Characteristics of Welschriesling

Welschriesling wines come in very different qualities, ranging from young fresh wines to predicate wines. Welschriesling is also often used for the production of sparkling wine. Younger wines are acidic and have a fruity bouquet with notes of green apple or citrus fruits. Berry and dried berry selections from Welschriesling grapes exhibit very complex aromas with fine honey tones, notes of exotic fruits, and a characteristic acidity.

Synonyms

The synonyms for Welschriesling are varied and region-specific, while the verbal reference to Riesling is often retained. In Hungary, for example, it is called Olasz, Olasz Risling, or Nemes Olasz Riesling. In some regions, it is referred to as Petit Riesling, Italian Riesling, Petracine, or Meslier/Meslier de Champagne.

Food Recommendations for Welschriesling

The Welschriesling is a fruity white wine and goes particularly well with light dishes - salads, cold appetizers, or pasta. It is also excellent as a refreshment and summer wine. In Austria, it is often enjoyed as a spritzer with mineral water or soda.